This fall, The Chimera Project Dance Theatre invites audiences of all ages to experience the whimsical and heartfelt world of Silly Billy, a vibrant dance-theatre production blending hoop dance, ballet, puppetry and storytelling. Following its premiere, which delighted over 10,000 young people across Ontario and Alberta, Silly Billy continues its journey with a dynamic tour across Canada from September 27 to October 27, 2025.

At the heart of the story is Billy, a rare white buffalo, unhappy with his uniqueness, who embarks on a quest to find the mythical Unicorn. Through playful mishaps, enchanting adventures, and moments of self-discovery, Billy learns to embrace his difference and takes his rightful place as the legendary great white buffalo of the plains.

Created for children in Kindergarten through Grade 4 but brimming with humour and artistry that captivates parents and adults alike, Silly Billy has been celebrated for its laughter-filled performances and its powerful message of self-acceptance.

A creative collaboration between choreographers Arik Pipestem (Canada’s Got Talent; So You Think You Can Dance Canada; Cirque du Soleil in Totem.), and Amy Hampton (Paula Citron Award for choreography (Dance Made in Canada Festival), 2024 Dora-nominated), this production intertwines Indigenous hoop dance and classical ballet, guided by the visionary direction of Malgorzata Nowacka-May (Dora-nominated work 2024, Paula Citron Award, two time Chalmers Award recipient), and enriched by shadow puppetry, theatre, and a dose of delightful shenanigans, with cultural consultation by Elder Shirley Horn to ensure authentic storytelling and cultural respect.

Upcoming Tour Highlights:

 • Sept. 26 – Toronto

Open Studio Showing (Location TBA)

6:00 PM

Tickets: PWYC

 • Sept. 28 – Sault Ste. Marie

Premiere Performance (following workshop-in-discussion on Sept. 27)

2:00 PM

Over the Rainbow Children’s Series, Community Theatre Centre, 1007 Trunk Rd

 • Sept. 30 – Iroquois Falls

Presented by Iroquois Falls Arts Council

6:00 PM

Marie & Dr. Michael Boyle Community Auditorium

Tickets: Child $10 (12 & under), Adult $15 (available at the door)

 • Sept. 31 – Kirkland Lake

Kirkland Lake Family Entertainment Series

6:30 PM

Northern College Auditorium, 140 Government Rd E

 • Oct. 2 – Temiskaming Shores

Pied Piper Kidshow at Classic Theatre Cobalt

6:30 PM

Tickets: Season not yet announced

 • Oct. 16 – Dryden

Dryden Youth Entertainment Series

6:30 PM

Dryden Regional Cultural & Training Centre, 100 Casimir Ave

 • Oct. 19 – Kenora

Sunday Smiles Family Entertainment Series

2:00 PM

John Paul II School

 • Oct. 21 – Atikokan

Atikokan Children’s Entertainment Series

6:30 PM

St. Patrick’s School

Tickets $45-$60

 • Oct. 15 – Sioux Lookout

Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series

2:00 PM

 • Oct. 26 – Haliburton

Razzmatazz Theatre for Wonder at 2:00 PM

Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion, 5358 Haliburton County Rd. 21

Tickets: $15

"Silly Billy is a joyful collision of tradition and imagination — a story that allows children to laugh, dream, and see themselves reflected on stage," says Artistic Director Malgorzata Nowacka-May.

Ticket prices range from PWYC to $15.

The production is performed by dancer Emma Curtis as the Unicorn, and a TBA Indigenous artist as Billy (currently casting), the Buffalo, under the creative vision of Nowacka-May, Pipestem, and Hampton. Since its creation in 2021, Silly Billy has become a cornerstone of Chimera’s youth programming, embodying the company’s mission of bridging cultures and generations through dance and theatre.

Visit chimeradt.com.